In her sculptural works made of wood, resin, natural materials, plaster and plastic, Korean artist Ji Eun Lee (b. 1984) deals with the experience and visualization of space, spatial boundaries and the spaces in between. A space between two things or living beings can be rationally, mathematically ascertained through measurement. More significant, however, is how changing physical factors such as light and shadow or narrowness, width, or depth determine the subjective atmosphere of in-between spaces that – at first glance – are not the focus of attention.
Ji Eun Lee’s reflections on space and negative space show up in a particularly exciting way in her new works that are created by embedding willow branches or fragments of wickerbasket weave in cast resin. By sanding the resulting rectangular objects, structures and spaces are made visible for the first time in the cross-section. New perspectives on a previously hidden, inner composition are opened up to the viewer, which now consists of the bright cut surfaces of the willow branches on the surface of the objects and then – on closer inspection – continues into the depths of the picture space.
“In my practice i mainly work with sculpture. In my sculptures i use various materials: bronze, plaster, silicone, and even usual materials from daily life. I attempt to question the visualization of the the invisible quality found in a variety of spaces -from spaces humans inhabit, to the space in between the walls, cracks in the floor, or the hollowness in an object. These spaces are easily forgotten and i’m trying to reflect these areas in my work.”
Ji Eun Lee
